Jul 28, 2016

Thoughts (on Affiliate Linking) on Thursday

What is your take on affiliate links?

For the non-bloggers among you, affiliate linking is when a blogger says "click here" for a certain item, which redirects through ShopStyle or a similar company to various retailers.  The referring blogger then gets a small percentage of the sale, or subsequent sales on the retailer's website while the cookie is still in place.  The Instagram version is LIKEtoKNOWit.

In theory, I think the idea is wonderful- the blog reader can easily purchase an item they like, without any extra cost, and the blogger makes some moolah for passing along their good taste.

That's the theory.

The reality?  I didn't even open Blogger during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.   I'm (unfortunately for my bank account) quite familiar with the ins and outs of online shopping.  I don't want to see a bunch of stuff tried on in dressing rooms and closets, only to be returned once clicks are clicked and referral money made.  The dress that was "JUST SOOO CUTE" and a "MUST HAVE!!", then is never to be seen again?  Returned, I'm sure.

My issue is with the transformation of blogs that I formerly enjoyed to advertisements for whoever pays the most for affiliate links.  Blogs that used to have a shopping post once a week are now links, links, links all the time.  And it's all the same retailers!  (Nordstrom, Shopbop- I'm looking at you!).

I have no objection to bloggers making money.  If I was making mad cash from this blog, I'd be thrilled!  However, I fear the transformation from a reflection of my actual life to endless Anthropologie dressing room selfies.  It just gets old, and makes me bummed to stop reading another blog that's lost its charm to the lure of Rstyle.

So what's your take?  Best thing for blogging or one of the worst?  I see both sides, but am coming down on annoying due the side effects of endless schilling.

Linking up with East Coast Chic and Home of Malones for Thoughts on Thursday.

Thoughts for Thursday

19 comments:

  1. It's terrible!!! I can handle an occasional NSale post, and I'll read the reviews I care to read, but the constant year round consumerism makes me sick. I want to know...how much are they really making?? What's the percentage? The "transparency" (given people shared what they wanted to share) of blogs is what I miss. I wish someone would say - f it, yall I returned all that shit. Thanks for clicking and buying anyway, but I can't afford a new ShopBop order every week.

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  2. I wholeheartedly agree with you! So many blogs that I started out reading, with normal gals who used to have fun, relatable content, have evolved into 90% of the content being either affiliate link fashion/home decor posts, or sponsored. I'm with you - I have no problem with bloggers making money, but when it's completely taken over your blog... sad times. Call it spiteful, but I also go out of my way to find an item that I may like in a post without clicking through their link #sorrynotsorry.

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    1. I also go out of my way to find an item without clicking the link. The fact that any purchase I make over the following months at Amazon or Nordstrom, or other mainstream stores, is what really gets my goat.

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  3. I get it when it makes sense for the "brand" of the blog -- i.e. I'll read food blogs who get a bunch of freebies from a pasta sauce brand, or a cheese brand, or fitness bloggers who get a new pair of workout pants or somesuch. If it makes sense for their regular posting and they want to truly share a product they like, awesome --- one of the things I love about blogging is getting suggestions for products, recipes, books, etc.

    Nordstrom sale is a bit different, for me... remember that earring company that every blogger would push a few years back? One day out of the blue, everyone was like YES THESE ARE THE BEST USE THIS CODE! And yeah, they were cute, but it was just such obvious event-based marketing, just like the N Sale.

    I guess it's authenticity for me? This from a retired blogger who only ever received free shit in her Sephora orders thanks to VIB rewards...

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  4. Thank you for saying this! Of course any blogger can write what she wants but it does seem forced and, in my opinion,a little pathetic when it becomes filled with links and their blogs become covered in advertisements. I Completely glossed over all the blogs these past weeks that spoke about the the silly Nordstrom sale. My biggest pet peeve is when bloggers sponsor all their posts when it really doesn't have anything to do with what they really write about like frozen meals or toothpaste . It feels forced. There are so many important issues going on in the world that th blatant consumerism makes me want to stop reading the blogs

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  5. The occasional affiliate link doesn't bother me on most blogs. However there are some blogs I read that have become one big advertisement. It really annoys me when they don't properly disclose they use affiliate links. Whenever I purchase something from Nordstrom I make sure I login into Ebates so I am the one who gets a check for my online shopping. I have been reading blogs since 2006 and find it sad that it has changed so much.

    I really enjoy reading your posts! I always find your blog refreshing and helpful.

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  6. I like the recommendations of several bloggers, yourself included, because I know that you actually like items and clothes that you are sharing. I tend to get annoyed with posts and blogs that are simply lists of links and "buy here!" encouragements. I don't begrudge anyone trying to make a little $$ from their blog, but turning it into an ad instead of sharing stories, etc. from their life is a turn off to me.

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  7. Gah!!! That Nordstrom sale-SO OVER IT!!! I barely read any blogs when that is ALLL THEY HYPED FOR DAYS!!! Such nonsense and so much spending on ridiculous clothing, shoes and accessories. So wasteful and I really feel these ladies need to spend more time volunteering for a local shelter, food bank or donating to a worthy cause instead of shopping all the time. This full time working momma is so very tired of all the shilling. Two HUGE thumbs DOWN 👎👎!!!!

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  8. I love that you shared your thoughts on this! I agree with MHM above....it's a good idea when done right. I do follow a handful of bloggers who are a) very open and upfront about linking and what they are promoting in return for cash and b) they don't do it for EVERY POST. Some of these ladies post different style boards and links and links and links every single day. It's ridiculous. And don't even get me started on the snapchat comments about "Click over to my blog and you can easily see how I'm shopping the #nsale!"....ummmm no. I know how to shop online. I don't need a lesson. Not only is it silly, but I almost feel like it's condescending assuming their readers don't know how to shop without their help. I need stop rambling, but all this to say....when done right, it's okay. Sadly, most bloggers don't know how to do it in a way that doesn't make their readers annoyed.

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  9. The worst is when their post is full of "Oh, this dress that I already told you about is back, and don't forget I like This/This/This/and This too". We GET IT. Also, when they rope their husbands into modeling. I don't mind a good review or suggestion, but some of them REALLY need to exercise a more believable tone.

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  10. Oh I can't stand it! It is turn off to me and the constant dribble of clothing posts is nauseating and seems very insincere. I once enjoyed reading and following Designer Bags/DD, Sweet Southern Prep, Hanging w/ the Hewitts and Honey We're Home. Now I can hardly click on their sites without feeling disgust...assuming they are being honest in keeping all those clothes, shoes, home items, etc. I think the consumerism is very disheartening. However, I do not believe they keep all those things! I am in my mid 30's and I actually have events I attend- meetings (and not meetings w/ my blogger sponsor), charity events, and such. I'm also fortunate enough that I am very lucky and do no have to worry about money (not sure how else to say that other than I have the means to purchase) and I would never, ever buy all those clothes. The mass purchasing and Instagram posts of "Such a great little dress" outfits is driven by the money they make by throwing up so many links; it is NOT real life use and/or need.
    What a mouthful, but I can not stand the affiliate links and hoarding so many clothes...or rather the dishonesty that I think is going on here.

    I think some of these bloggers would Rstyle a casket at a funeral if they could.

    PS love your blog! I google your green bean recipe all the time!
    Deann

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    1. You hit the nail on the head. I couldn't agree more and many of those are blogs I read. It's just disgusting to me how it NEVER ends. Not only that but the deals they vomit nonstop ARE NOT deals! Spending $300 to save $50 is laughable to me. HWTH having her husband model just so she can get more clicks just slays me-sorry you are NOT a model!! Ugh, I could go on but I'll restrain myself.

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  11. I agree with all of above! The Charleston bloggers are the worst! How can they not acknowledge the amount of clothes, accessories, make-up that hey purchase! Awful! Love your blog!

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  12. CANNOT STAND IT when it is done so gratuitously and disingenuously -- as it is so often done these days! If it's a product someone actually loves and actually OWNS and uses/wears, then I love hearing about it on occasion. My personal affiliate link M.O. involves only linking to items that tick the aforementioned boxes and even then, I only use the links if they lead to the best prices (I find certain kids' toys on Amazon particularly problematic in this regard).

    So while I can't totally begrudge the affiliate link as it provides me with a tiny bit of "beer money" each month, I do think it's one of the things that "killed" blogging as we knew it 5 years ago.

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  13. I'm not a fan of it either. I've stopped reading many blogs I used to love because this. I love to hear when someone truly loves and is excited for something, but not all like "buy this, buy that, buy IT ALL". I don't need all that stuff and neither do they. What I really like is to see when someone links something they like even if there is no affiliate link available... some of those bloggers wouldn't dare mention a product they can't affiliate link. It's gross.

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  14. as a blog reader, I totally don't mind a few links here and there with rstyle. But when a blog turns into a total linkapalooza, it's a huge turnoff. When they are only showing items to buy, I feel like they are only trying to make a buck. I like how alizadventures uses links at times, but not continuously.

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  15. I know you are so busy AND pregnant but please post soon!!

    Maybe you can get in a routine of what you want to post...a recipie on Monday life update on Wednesday Friday five and the. That's it!

    Miss your blog!!!!

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  16. I've been reading your blog for a bit but never commented until now. I pretty much entirely agree with your take on affiliate links. There are some bloggers who use affiliate links with discretion and are very open about disclaiming. I do NOT mind give them some $ for clicks if the affiliate linking is infrequent and up front.

    That being said, some blogs have gone from actual content to a walking advertisement. I know how to show the freaking #Nsale, Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale, etc. and I most DEFINITELY do NOT need to see your "monthly outfit round up." Those outfit round ups are just a regurgitation of stuff these ladies have already linked throughout the month and it's frankly nauseating. I have stopped reading so many of these blogs and it bums me out.

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